There are reportedly ‘growing doubts’ about David de Gea’s position as Manchester United’s number one following his latest goalkeeping howler.
Having lost to a last-minute Brighton penalty on Thursday, Manchester United‘s Champions League hopes were dealt a further blow as they slipped to another 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Sunday evening.
United were poor all over the pitch and wasted a whole host of first-half chances, though fell behind in the first half following an absolute howler from their number one.
A tame Said Benrahma effort from range was inexplicably spilled by David de Gea despite getting a good hand to it, with the Hammers growing in confidence as the game went on to earn a vital three points.
The mistake was the fourth time a De Gea error had led to a goal in all competitions this season, the joint most of any Premier League player alongside Spurs’ ‘keeper Hugo Lloris.
There have been plenty of question marks about De Gea’s place suitability to Erik ten Hag’s brand of football, with the Spaniard not commanding his box and lacking the increasingly important ability with his feet.
David de Gea will not want to see this one again! 🫣
Saïd Benrahma is gifted the opener of the game pic.twitter.com/5YOORsFsQ4
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 7, 2023
Despite that, Ten Hag insisted after Sunday’s match that he was keen for the 32-year-old to sign a new contract, with the ‘keeper’s deal at Old Trafford having less than two months to run.
De Gea currently earns around £375,000-a-week at United, though the renewal he has been offered is believed to be substantially less.
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, there are “growing doubts at Manchester United over David de Gea’s position as the club’s No.1 beyond this season”.
The report says that “some figures at United want to move on from the Spaniard”, suggesting that even if he does pen a new deal, he would not necessarily retain his first-choice status.
United are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper regardless, with Dean Henderson expected to be sold, while third-choice Tom Heaton – currently injured – is out of contract in the summer. Jack Butland is currently on loan from Crystal Palace, but has been linked with a summer move to Rangers.
United have been linked with Porto’s Diogo Costa and Brentford’s David Raya.
